by Vince Cascone
So far this school year, I have had formal visits at 36 of our 42 schools throughout the archdiocese.
One of the main aspects of my visits this year is meeting with a group of students at each school. These groups usually consist of about eight students from grades three and up. My one request to the principals is to choose students who are not afraid to speak up and share their thoughts. Let me assure you that the students do not disappoint in this regard.
After gathering around a table and explaining to the children that I am the superintendent, I tell them it is important for me to know as much as I can about each school. I then tell them I need to speak with the most important people in the school in order to learn about their school.
When I ask them who the most important people in the school are, the students always mention their teachers and the principal.
It always warms my heart when they start to mention specific adults in the building who have helped them through struggles.
One boy shared his ongoing challenge to learn to read as he transferred from a public school and the teacher who worked with him and encouraged him. One girl in eighth grade mentioned how she was struggling with personal problems and that the school counselor worked with her and her parents to support her through it. There have been many more stories just like this.
As I ask them who else they think is very important for me to talk to in the school, it is usually an upper grade student who says confidently and unabashedly, “The students are the most important.” Of course, this is what I was getting at the entire time. I explain how so many people throughout the archdiocese are helping to make sure they have the best school possible.
One question I ask them is: “If parents are looking for a school to send their children, why would you say they should send them to your school?” The most common responses from across the schools in the archdiocese are:
“We learn about Jesus.”
“We go to Mass together.”
“Our community is awesome. We are like a family. The other students are like my brothers and sisters.”
“I learn so much from my teachers and I want to keep learning.”
Let me just say it has been edifying for me to hear from so many students how their faith has grown and how they have learned so much.
